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Comprehensibility of material safety data sheets
Author(s) -
Kolp Paul,
Sattler Barbara,
Blayney Michael,
Sherwood Timothy
Publication year - 1993
Publication title -
american journal of industrial medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.7
H-Index - 104
eISSN - 1097-0274
pISSN - 0271-3586
DOI - 10.1002/ajim.4700230119
Subject(s) - hazard , medicine , hazardous waste , occupational safety and health , sample (material) , test (biology) , health hazard , environmental health , engineering , waste management , paleontology , chemistry , organic chemistry , pathology , chromatography , biology
The Hazard Communication Standard, commonly known as the Worker Right to Know law, requires that a chemical information sheet, known as a material safety data sheet (MSDS), be produced for all hazardous chemicals. This study examines the comprehensibility of a sample of MSDSs to a group of about 100 unionized workers in manufacturing industries located in the state of Maryland. Workers were given several MSDSs and performed the equivalent of an open‐book test answering questions regarding health and safety information that was provided on the MSDS. On average, the information on the MSDSs was found to be about one‐third incomprehensible. This result raises concerns regarding policies and practices for hazard communication. There is a clear indication that MSDSs need to be improved if workers must rely on them for health and safety information. © 1993 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.